Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms and it’s also one of my favorites because:
- It’s small still. It’s a great way to connect and get to know people better, because not “everyone” is on the platform
- It’s clean and simple. There are no ads and no need for lists or filtering. It’s one simple stream!
So how can you get intentional with Instagram, and make it make more sense for you and your business?
Here are five simple tips you can implement immediately:
- Use hashtags. Hashtags are a simple way to broaden your audience of who sees your Instagram posts. TagForLikes is a simple app that you can use to copy and paste popular hashtags into your post. Pro tip: Don’t post all of your hashtags on the caption of your photo – this can make your photo look spammy. Post a caption, upload your photo, and then add your captions in the comment section!
- Search for hasthags. As in all social networks, it’s not just about pushing content and talking, but it’s about engaging in your community. For example, If you are a Realtor in Denver, search the hashtag #denver or #movingtodenver. For a winery, popular hashtags may be #winetasting, #wineoclock or #winelover. See what appears and then like, comment and engage authentically. Be a helpful resource. Pro tip: Not sure which hashtags to search for? Brainstorm a list of 5-10 keywords that people use when talking about your product or service.
- Look to your life as content. Not sure what to post on Instagram? Look around you and see how you can showcase moments in your life; moments of celebration with a client, moments with your family, moments on a great vacation, and more. I try to use Instagram not just as my camera roll on my iPhone, but I try to post an interesting vantage point or get creative with my Instagram photos. Pro tip: Try turning your camera a bit for a fun angle, or use other apps like Over or Camera+ to enhance your photo even more before you put it into Instagram.
- Post consistently. Like any other social network, make an effort to post consistently, at least a few times a week. When someone comes upon your profile and you haven’t posted recently, it gives the impression that you aren’t active on the network. Pro tip: A few times a week, instead of uploading a photo to Facebook (as you may normally do), intentionally choose two or three to be posted on Instagram and then share them on Facebook. This kills two birds with one stone – it adds content to your Instagram feed but also allows you to use them on Facebook. Make sure you follow pro tip #1 above for using hashtags to ensure that you won’t look spammy on Facebook.
- Engage authentically. Make sure you take the time a few times a week to scroll through your Instagram feed and like and comment on photos from people you follow. Comment and like on photos that speak to you – that are funny, poignant or beautiful. Pro tip: Don’t click ‘like’ on everything – authenticity is key!
Bonus tip: Instagram video is heating up! Did you know you can take a video as you normally would with your smartphone and then import a 15 second clip? You can also utitlize fun apps like Pic Play Post (iTunes) to create collage photos in Instagram that are collages of photos AND video. The result is pretty amazing. Here is an example – click here>>
Are we connected yet on Instagram? If not, I’d love to connect with you – click here>>
I’d love to hear how you are using Instagram intentionally to build relatonships and to build business. Leave me a comment below, or leave me a comment on my Facebook Page (or Tweet me!)
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